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HKCEC gains global recognition for leadership role in sustainability

The Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) last week celebrated its 27th birthday by unwrapping three heavy-weighted presents recognising its leadership role in sustainability.

The HKCEC reached a significant milestone in its sustainability efforts by becoming the first organisation in Hong Kong to achieve the ISO 20121 Event Sustainability Management System recognition.

Another great accomplishment was that, the newly renovated restaurant, Congress Plus, has just become the first restaurant in the city to receive LEED Gold Certification for Interior Design and Construction V2009 by the U.S. Green Building Council, and Silver rating of BEAM Plus Interiors V1.0 by the Hong Kong Green Building Council.

ISO 20121, an international standard for event sustainability management system first launched in 2012, sets a framework for the events industry to continuously improve sustainability in three key aspects: economic, social and environmental.

Being the first ISO 20121 certified venue in Hong Kong, the HKCEC is demonstrating its vision and leadership in the industry.

Its event sustainability management system, operation procedures and guidelines ensure the concept of ‘sustainability’ is fully incorporated into the entire event management cycle from bookings, event planning, food & beverage services, procurement, waste management, staff training, on-site delivery and billing, as well as customer feedback handling. It also encompasses capital investments for reducing energy and water consumption, workplace health and safety as well as community service.

In the fiscal year ending June 2015, HML welcomed a record total of 6.4 million visitors to HKCEC’s restaurants and 1,113 events successfully held at the HKCEC.

During this busy period, over 400,000 kilograms of food and other waste materials were collected for recycling. 1,500 lights in fire escape stairways were replaced with motion sensing dimmable LED lighting in the recent year. Almost 3,000 kilograms of unconsumed food was donated to charity and staff participated in a total of 62 community programmes to help the needy.

“Our auditors are very impressed by HML’s dedication in sustainability and continuous improvements. The whole team on all levels demonstrated total commitment, from policy, planning to delivery.”

LEED and BEAM
Congress Plus, one of the seven restaurants in the HKCEC with a seating capacity of 300, has also earned international and local environmental accreditations, LEED and BEAM, making itself the first restaurant in Hong Kong to attain these recognitions.

Notable green features of Congress Plus include carpet made of 50% recycled materials, bamboo flooring, furniture and wall panels and false ceiling made of sustainable timber from FSC/PEFC certified forest and low VOC substances, all LED lighting with programmable dimmer system and day-light sensors, and decorative screens created with recycled wine bottles. Energy consumption is reduced through use of a zone control intelligent air-conditioning system and kitchen equipment with 'US Energy Star Label' and environmental friendly refrigerant. Faucets in kitchen and restrooms carry water saving feature.

Since its opening in July 2014, Congress Plus actively participates in food donation and promotes healthy eating community projects. Menus offered include a wide range of sustainable seafood. Green paper napkins, paper towel and toilet paper, as well as biodegradable cleaning products are also used to reduce the impact to the environment.

Images: HKCEC’s 27th anniversary cocktail reception saw the announcement that the venue had become the first organisation in Hong Kong to attain the ISO 20121 Event Sustainability Management System certificate (top) and Congress Plus, the buffet-offering-restaurant in the HKCEC, has incorporated numerous green features in its interior design and operation, earning itself the LEED Gold Level and BEAM Silver rating certificates (below).